In an interview with the media at the Blood Donation exercise held by the Bernard Tekpetey foundation on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the University of Ghana, Madam Shirley Phyllis Owusu-Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, encouraged individuals to come forward and donate blood voluntarily.
According to Madam Owusu-Ofori, “All you need is to be healthy and walk into a regional teaching hospital center or a zonal center and say you want to give blood.” She emphasized that once an individual commits to donating, they can give up to three times a year.
Madam Owusu-Ofori also addressed concerns about the safety of the donation process, stating, “The donation process is safe, and the donor’s health is of paramount importance to the blood service.” She reassured potential donors that the National Blood Service takes all necessary measures to ensure the donation process is safe and that no one has died from giving blood.
She encouraged prospective donors to come forward, dispelling myths and misconceptions about blood donation.
“We ensure that we take the necessary precautions to make sure that the one who is going to receive your blood is safe, and you who are giving are also not harmed by the process,” she added.
The CEO’s message was clear, giving blood is a safe and simple process that can save lives. By encouraging voluntary blood donation, Madam Owusu-Ofori hopes to increase blood supply and ensure that patients in need receive the lifesaving transfusions they require.
The blood donation exercise by the Bernard Tekpetey foundation was a step in the right direction, and the National Blood Service CEO’s message is a call to action for individuals to take charge of their health and the health of others by donating blood voluntarily.